Armenia and the United States have signed a strategic partnership charter. The agreement, signed by Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, D.C., establishes a framework for cooperation in areas such as economic development, security, democracy, and justice.
To explore the implications of the agreement, 301 spoke with Suren Sargsyan, an expert on U.S. foreign policy, researcher, and author. Below are key insights from the interview:
Interview with Suren Sargsyan on the Armenia-U.S. Strategic Partnership Charter
Question 1: What is the legal significance of the recently signed Armenia-U.S. Strategic Partnership Charter?
Suren Sargsyan: The document is a declaration, not a legally binding treaty. It creates a commission tasked with strengthening Armenian-American relations across various domains.
Question 2: How likely is it that the U.S. administration will implement the provisions of the Charter?
Suren Sargsyan: I foresee no issues with implementation. U.S. administrative transitions ensure continuity, but success depends on Armenia’s ability to collaborate effectively with the administration.
Question 3: Does the Charter include specific provisions for security cooperation?
Suren Sargsyan: Yes, it includes initiatives to enhance Armenia’s military capabilities, reflecting decades of growing ties. However, the U.S. does not offer security guarantees under this agreement. Armenia is a strategic partner, not a strategic ally. This distinction must be clearly communicated to avoid misunderstandings.
Question 4: How should Secretary Blinken’s statement on customs and border security be interpreted?
Suren Sargsyan: A working group will likely assess the Armenian-Georgian and possibly Armenian-Iranian borders. It’s unlikely this pertains to the closed Armenian-Azerbaijani or Armenian-Turkish borders. Future normalization with Turkey or Azerbaijan could extend similar programs to those borders.
Question 5: Are Russia and Iran implicit “targets” of this Charter?
Suren Sargsyan: No, this agreement is not directed against Russia or Iran. While such speculation is inevitable, Armenia must reassure these countries diplomatically to maintain balanced regional relations.
Conclusion
The Armenia-U.S. Strategic Partnership Charter symbolizes a commitment to expanding cooperation but requires careful diplomacy to manage regional dynamics.
